NATURAL ATTRACTIONS
 Jaffna’s
natural characteristics range from semi - deserts of sand dunes
reaching heights of 12- 15 meters at Manalkattu to numerous expanses
of water. The waterscape offered by the Jaffna lagoon, which is
dotted by several islands is outstanding; the outriggers and catamarans
of flamboyant colours that are sailing in the lagoon make a beautiful
picture of the calm blue waters. The long stretches of unspoilt,
secluded beaches (like Casuarina beach and Kalmunani point near
Jaffna, Thondamannar, Senthankulam and Keeramalai) are ideal for
sunbathing, swimming and water skiing, as well as for sailing. A
drive along the causeways linking the chain of Jaffna islands (like
Kayts, Karaitive and Pungudutivu) is rewarding for the beautiful
sunset is affords with austere palmyrah palms stand silhouetted
against the glorious sky. Other islands like Nagadeepa and Delft
are reachable only by ferry. Such a natural setting to Jaffna with
its considerable water front has the potential to be developed as
the “Venice of Asia” Delft, about 32 Km, south - west of the Jaffna
peninsula is the outer most inhabited island. Its shore line is
unique in that coral rock stands out on the beach and out at sea
above the water, having peculiar and fantastic formations. Its beaches
are unspoilt and the waters are shallow. It is rich in natural habitat,
where one could hear the cries of sea birds, heighing of ponies,
mooning of cattle, bleating of goats, and the boom of the surfs
with a mix of gentle whisper of the wind. To a visitor interested
in bird watching, the Jaffna islands will prove fascinating, with
considerable presence of grey partridge, curlew, plover, ring dove,
Indian courser, great stone plover, reef heron, lapwings, egrets
and many more. It also offers fascinating bio - diversity.
CULTURAL
ATTRACTIONS
 The
culture of the Jaffna peninsula has been moulded by its harsh climate,
and by the protean Hindu religion, its mythology and legend. The
well at Puttur, which the inhabitants believe as bottomless, is
some 45 meters deep and legend has it that Rama, the hero of Epic
Ramayana of Indian fame, stopped here and plunged his arrow into
the soil, whence water came spurting out and he quenched his thrust
from this spring that never dies. The island Kayts, according to
legend, is said to be the location, from which one of the three
Magi came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus. It is also believed
that ships of king Soloman traded at the Kayts’ harbour.
There
are several Hindu temples of outstanding architectural characteristics
in the peninsula, of which those at Nallur in the mainland and Nagapoosani
Kovil at island Nagadeepa are the most popular. Hindu religious
festivals have an atmosphere all its own. It is a feast of music,
dance and colour. The last day of festival is marked by a colorful
procession.
There
are numerous heritage sites dating from the pre - Christian time
to colonial era. The Buddhist site at Kantarodai near Chunnakam
dates from Pre - Christian times to about the 12th century A. D
Sangalitoppu at Nallur was the residence of the provincial rulers
of Jaffna, before the advent of Portuguese. Several remains including
an ornamental entrance arch to the palace complex, depicting colonial
influences, still survives.
Despite the Jaffna fort, which is the major heritage attraction
of the peninsula, there are several monuments and sites of the colonial
era. The island of Delft has monuments (like its castle) that still
reflect Portuguese characteristics in a skeletal form. There are
smaller Dutch forts at Elephant pass, Kayts, Pooneryn and at he
small islet of Hammenhiel. The remains of Dutch Church with it Portuguese
origin still stands at Chankanai. Considered as architecturally,
the only one of its kind in the Island, it was constructed of coral
masonry with its foundations going back to 1640’s.
 Apart
from such cultural attraction, Jaffna peninsula is also a place
of pilgrimage. The fresh water spring on the beach at Keeramalai
are said to contain healing water and is a popular pilgrim destination.
The island Nagadeepa is said to have been hallowed by a visit of
the Lord Buddha. The Sinhala Buddhists from south visit the Buddhist
temple in this island to pay homage to their Master. This island
is also a popular pilgrim destination of the Hindus, and the Hindu
temple of Nagapoosani and the Buddhist temple that stand side by
in this island showcase the religious tolerance. Katchchativu and
Palaitivu are popular destinations of Christian pilgrimage where
Catholics from Sri Lanka as well as from neighboring India come
there in thousands.
Therefore,
for the local visitor, the extra-ordinary landscape features of
Jaffna, with palmyrah trees, arid climate, and the presence of Hindu,
Buddhist and Christian shrines are the main attractions. Apart from
developing Jaffna as a major destination of tourism in Sri Lanka,
it has the potential to build the ethnic and religious harmony of
this war torn country. For a foreign visitor, the contrasting landscape
features, cultural and bio-diversity, the monuments of colonial
era, etc. provide opportunities for eco - tourism and nature-culture
tourism. Therefore from an international point of view, if promoted
and marketed properly, Jaffna has all the potential to be developed
as a major tourist destination in South Asia by tailoring it into
a showcase which combines beach/marine experience and cultural legacy.
The improved connectivity in the near future by air and land for
tourists will also facilitate such a Development, The close connectivity
to Trincomalee of eastern sea board and even to Southern India will
further enhance to develop tourism.
Since
the war has come to an end, with higher level of security and safety,
Jaffna is slowly becoming conducive to develop tourism.
HISTORICAL
PLACES IN JAFFNA
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